The Biblioracle Recommends

The Biblioracle Recommends explores the intersection of reading, creativity, and the evolving landscape of literature and media consumption. It addresses the impact of algorithms on arts criticism, the value of books in understanding human experiences, and the challenges facing independent publishing. Through essays and personalized book recommendations, it advocates for thoughtful engagement with books and the development of individual taste, while questioning societal norms around success, authority, and the role of technology in creativity.

Arts Criticism Creativity and Personal Growth The Role of Books in Society Impact of Algorithms on Media Consumption Independent Publishing Human Values and Technology Information Consumption and Authority Mental Health and Societal Norms Personalized Book Recommendations Education and Individual Behavior

The hottest Substack posts of The Biblioracle Recommends

And their main takeaways

Choosing Consideration, Not Consumption

1179 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Authors Fiction Reading
  1. Arts criticism is becoming less important in our day-to-day lives due to algorithms taking over the role of critics.
  2. Criticism plays a role beyond just recommending what to buy; it offers unique perspectives and interpretations.
  3. Subscription platforms like Substack may offer hope for supporting sustainable work, but there are challenges in finding space and audience for new writers.

Genius vs. Expertise

668 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Learning Expertise Art Teaching
  1. Genius and expertise are different - expertise is achieved through practice, while genius is often seen as innate.
  2. Expertise can be just as valuable as genius - like the skillful drum tech behind a famous drummer.
  3. Dedication to a hobby or skill can enhance confidence and ability in other areas, showcasing the value of practice and expertise.

You Gotta Have Taste

707 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books Art Podcasts Literature Writing
  1. Develop your own taste and don't be swayed by external opinions.
  2. Resist the influence of algorithms and prioritize trusting your own reactions.
  3. Exploring and articulating your taste is part of knowing yourself and resisting a culture of consumption.

Books Gave Me the World

511 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Recommendations Childhood
  1. The author recounts their experience of reading all Newbery Medal winning books in sixth grade.
  2. Reading books as a child provided adventurous and insightful stories that shaped the author's love for literature.
  3. The author reflects on the impact of books on their life and the importance of reading for personal growth.

Who Are They Going to Be?

255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Education
  1. School systems often reward students who conform to rules and standards, leading to stress and disengagement.
  2. The behavior of children watching a band perform raises questions about who they are and who they will become.
  3. A proposed experiment seeks to track children's reactions to a performance to understand how individual behaviors may shape their future selves.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Wednesday Reading Recommendations

373 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book recommendations
  1. The author offers reading recommendations every Wednesday.
  2. Readers submit the last five books they've read for personalized book recommendations.
  3. The author provides personalized book recommendations based on the readers' recent reads.

"The Reader in Mind Is Me"

904 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Authors Books Reading Publishing Fiction
  1. Cormac McCarthy and Elizabeth Gilbert were late bloomers in their writing careers.
  2. McCarthy's distinctive style focused on themes of evil and hope in his novels.
  3. Gilbert's relationship with her audience reflects a balance between social and parasocial connections.

Thinking Books

1041 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📚 Literature Thinking Books Philosophy Education
  1. Thinking about thinking and the value of engaging in purposeful thought is important for personal growth and creativity.
  2. Writing a book proposal can help to clarify thoughts and ideas, even if the book may not come to fruition.
  3. Reading books that make you think and reflect, such as those exploring spirituality, education, and creativity, can be a valuable way to enhance your thinking process.

The Problem(s) with Men

707 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Literature Social Issues Books Entertainment
  1. Society is facing challenges with the well-being of men, showing disparities in education and mental health.
  2. There are varying issues affecting men, from societal pressures to toxic masculinity in tech moguls.
  3. Reading books can shape empathy and understanding, offering insights into diverse perspectives and relationships.

Where Did Our Authorities Go?

727 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Education Literature Media History Society
  1. The shift from traditional authoritative sources like National Geographic to sources like Wikipedia reflects changing dynamics in information consumption.
  2. Questioning the idea of authority is vital in an era where misinformation and unreliable sources abound.
  3. Embracing curiosity and being open to change can lead to a more interesting way of navigating through a world filled with evolving information.

Meet an Indie Publisher: Belt

511 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Publishing
  1. Belt Publishing is an independent publisher known for its progressive, grounded books.
  2. Being an indie publisher is challenging due to financial constraints.
  3. The freedom of independently publishing allows for unique author choices and community building.

AI's Big Hype

511 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Artificial Intelligence Tech regulation Data Ethics Future Impacts
  1. People promoting generative AI want us to believe it is inevitable, but that doesn't mean it's without risks.
  2. Humanity often faces catastrophic failures due to a mix of bad structural incentives and human desires.
  3. The push for artificial intelligence might lead to a world where human expression is replaced by algorithms, impacting writing and creativity.

Tax the Rich

491 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Corporate Influence Social Impact
  1. Being born rich can be challenging as it may hinder finding an authentic sense of self.
  2. It's important to tax the wealthy and redistribute the money for public good, including the arts.
  3. The power and influence of oligarchic wealth can have negative impacts on institutions like academia, publishing, and education.